Method for delineating a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect area by means of deformation features of markers

Abstract

The application relates to a method for analyzing a geological body by means of physical and chemical properties of the geological body, and particularly relates to a method for delineating a hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area by means of deformation characteristics of markers, which comprises the following steps: collecting surface samples in an exploration area; determining the uranium content of the surface samples and the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface samples, wherein the markers comprise at least one of quartz, feldspar and mica; and delineating a hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area in the exploration area, wherein if the uranium content in the surface samples is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface samples simultaneously exist rigid deformation and plastic deformation, then the area where the surface samples are located is delineated as the hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area. The method provided in the application embodiment can more accurately delineate the hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area, and improves the efficiency of hydrothermal uranium ore exploration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method for analyzing geological bodies by means of their physical and chemical properties, and specifically to a method for delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas by means of the deformation characteristics of markers. Background Technology

[0002] Fault structures can control geological processes such as diagenesis, mineralization, and magmatic activity within the Earth's crust. Therefore, the distribution of fault structures can reflect the distribution of hydrothermal uranium deposits to some extent. Related techniques typically determine the distribution of hydrothermal uranium deposits in the exploration area from a macroscopic perspective, thereby delineating potential hydrothermal uranium deposit areas. However, this method may not be accurate enough. More accurate delineation of potential hydrothermal uranium deposit areas would further improve exploration efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a method for delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas by means of deformable features of markers to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides a method for delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas using the deformation characteristics of markers, comprising: collecting surface samples from an exploration area; determining the uranium content of the surface samples and the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface samples, wherein the markers include at least one of quartz, feldspar, and mica; and delineating the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas in the exploration area, wherein if the uranium content in the surface samples is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface samples exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the area where the surface samples are located is delineated as a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area.

[0005] The method provided in this application can more accurately delineate hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas and improve the efficiency of hydrothermal uranium deposit exploration. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the process of delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas using the deformation characteristics of markers according to embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the marker structure for the first-order deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the marker structure for secondary deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a marker structure for three levels of deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the work area defined according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0007] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are one embodiment of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0008] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Where the terms "first," "second," etc., are used throughout the text, they are used only to distinguish similar objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance, order of precedence, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. It should be understood that the data in the descriptions of "first," "second," etc., can be interchanged where appropriate. Where "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means that it includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B.

[0009] Embodiments of this application provide a method for delineating prospective areas of hydrothermal uranium deposits using the deformation characteristics of markers, referring to... Figure 1 ,include: Step S102: Collect surface samples from the exploration area.

[0010] Step S104: Determine the uranium content of the surface sample and the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface sample. The markers here may include at least one of quartz, feldspar, and mica.

[0011] Step S106: Delineate the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area within the exploration area. Specifically, if it is determined in step S104 that the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then in step S106, the area where the surface sample is located can be delineated as a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area.

[0012] The exploration area in step S102 can be an area where hydrothermal uranium exploration needs to be carried out, as determined by a person skilled in the art using any suitable method. Bedrock located in the exploration area near the surface can be collected as surface samples.

[0013] After collecting the surface sample, step S104 determines the uranium content and deformation characteristics of the markers in the surface sample. Specifically, the collected surface sample can be divided into two parts: one part is analyzed by elemental analysis to determine its uranium content, and the other part is ground into a thin film sample and its marker deformation characteristics are determined by microscopic observation.

[0014] The markers here include quartz, feldspar, mica, etc. In related technologies, the distribution of fracture structures used in delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas are relatively macroscopic ore-controlling structures. However, this application proposes that the deformation characteristics of the markers are derived phenomena of macroscopic structures. They can not only reveal the macroscopic tectonic control of rocks and mineralization, but also reveal the mineralization and diagenesis mechanisms such as the activation, migration, and accumulation of uranium elements. By using the deformation characteristics of the markers, hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas can be delineated more accurately.

[0015] Specifically, this application proposes that rigid deformation in the marker is deformation that occurs under stress, which can reveal the existence of fracture structures at that location from a microscopic perspective. Rigid deformation can include deformations such as cracking, breaking, fragmentation, and spalling of the marker's structure under stress. Plastic deformation in the marker is deformation that occurs further under the modification of thermal fluids based on rigid deformation, which can reveal the activity of thermal fluids from a microscopic perspective. Plastic deformation can include changes in light absorption, structural changes, and the emergence of new structures in the marker.

[0016] If both rigid and plastic deformation are observed in the markers of the surface sample, it indicates the presence of fracture structures and magmatic activity, as well as the development of hydrothermal fluids, which is conducive to the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits. However, if only rigid deformation is observed in the markers, it means that although fracture structures and magmatic activity exist, hydrothermal fluids have not developed, which is not conducive to the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits.

[0017] Based on this, in step S106, the deformation characteristics of the markers and the uranium content of the surface sample can be used to delineate the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect area. If the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, and the uranium content of the surface sample is greater than a preset value, it can be assumed that there is a fracture structure and hydrothermal fluid development at the location of the surface sample, and that the hydrothermal fluid has brought about uranium enrichment. Thus, the area where the surface sample is located can be delineated as a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect area.

[0018] The method provided in this application embodiment can more accurately delineate hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas by using the microscopic deformation characteristics of markers, thereby improving the exploration efficiency of hydrothermal uranium deposits.

[0019] In some embodiments, determining the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface sample in step S104 may include: observing the structure and / or light absorption of markers in the surface sample under a microscope; and determining the deformation characteristics of markers based on the structure and / or light absorption of markers in the surface sample.

[0020] As described above, if it is determined that the structure of the marker in the surface sample is broken, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample is subject to rigid deformation.

[0021] The structural fragmentation observed in different types of markers may vary. For example, in quartz and feldspar, the structural fragmentation may be network fragmentation, microfracture, breccia, or breccia. In mica, the structural fragmentation may be microfracture, breccia, or breccia, with network fragmentation being less common. These structural fragmentations can be identified under a microscope by those skilled in the art based on experience or relevant standards in the field; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0022] In some embodiments, if a change in the light absorption of a marker in a surface sample is determined, it is determined that the marker in the surface sample may have undergone plastic deformation. The markers of the change in light absorption may include: banded extinction, wavy extinction, and fan-shaped extinction. Those skilled in the art can identify the above three types of extinction based on experience or relevant standards in the art; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0023] The changes in light absorption may vary in different types of markers. Quartz may exhibit wavy extinction, banded extinction, or fan-shaped extinction, while feldspar and mica are more likely to show wavy extinction.

[0024] In some embodiments, in addition to determining the presence of plastic deformation by means of changes in light absorption, the presence of plastic deformation can also be determined based on some distinctive structures that appear in the markers. The distinctive structures that may appear in different types of markers are also different.

[0025] For quartz, its characteristic structures can include dynamic recrystallization, tensile lineation, rotating breccia, pressure shadows, SC foliation, subgrain-like structures, banded structures, and stress-creep structures. Therefore, if at least one of these structures is found in quartz, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample has undergone plastic deformation.

[0026] Dynamic recrystallization is a recrystallization process that occurs simultaneously with deformation. Minerals may undergo dynamic recrystallization when deformed above 0.5Tm (Tm is the melting point temperature) or during creep at a certain critical stress and a relatively slow strain rate.

[0027] SC foliation is a structural assemblage commonly found in ductile shear bands, consisting of S-foliations and C-foliations. S-foliations are compressional foliations that precede C-foliations, while C-foliations are shear foliations that form slightly later.

[0028] Subgrains, also known as subcrystals, are micro-regions in a mineral that are separated by subgrain interfaces.

[0029] Banded structures are characterized by the alternating arrangement of minerals and rocks of different colors or grain sizes, appearing as bands. These bands may consist of alternating layers of dark and light-colored minerals and rocks, or alternating layers of coarser and finer-grained minerals and rocks, thus appearing as parallel or nearly parallel bands within the rock.

[0030] Stress-induced creep structure refers to a creep structure formed by the exsolution or precipitation of SiO2 from the crystal lattice due to the reduction of molar volume under compressive stress. This structure is related to stress and is different from the replacement creep structure in metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks, hence the name stress-induced creep structure.

[0031] For feldspar, characteristic structures can include kink bands, oblique structures, deformation striations, mechanical twinning, subgranular structures, brecciated structures, dynamic recrystallization, core-mantle structures, pinnacle structures, stress striation structures, and exsolution foliation. If at least one of these structures is found in feldspar, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample exhibits plastic deformation.

[0032] A fold zone is a flat strip where foliation or foliation undergoes sharp angular changes. In essence, it is a shear zone with a certain width, in which the rock within the zone undergoes relative shearing and sliding with the rocks on both sides, causing a sharp change in the attitude of the bedding or foliation.

[0033] A book-like structure refers to a series of blocks or fragments cut by steeply dipping faults, like books on a bookshelf falling to the side. Each block undergoes rigid rotation, resulting in relative shearing motion along the normal fault.

[0034] Deformation lines refer to straight or long lenticular thin lines that are formed inside a crystal by impact or shearing.

[0035] Mechanical twinning, also known as slip twinning, is a twinning structure formed when a crystal is subjected to mechanical forces after its formation, causing some of the crystal lattices to slip and deform along one direction of the planar network.

[0036] The porphyritic system is a porphyritic system formed by mineral fragments and crystal tails.

[0037] The core-mantle structure is a structure composed of deformed grains surrounded by fine subgrains and recrystallized new grains.

[0038] The clockwork structure refers to a microstructure in minerals that resembles the shape of an ancient Western clock due to variations in composition or optical properties.

[0039] Stress striations are striations formed by the exsolution or precipitation of sodium in potassium feldspar or sodium feldspar under stress. These precipitated stress striations are mostly distributed along shear planes or tensile crack planes, and appear in the form of geese, flames, checkerboard patterns, and irregular shapes.

[0040] Exsolution foliation refers to the parallel intergrowth of two components, similar to polysynthetic twinning. For mica, characteristic structures may include mica fish-like structures, oblique structures, pressure shadows, SC foliation, clasts, and kink bands. If at least one of these structures is found in mica, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample exhibits plastic deformation.

[0041] Mica fishes are mostly developed in quartz-mica schists. Pre-existing mica fragments, with cleavage that is not prone to slip, form micro-plow-like normal faults in the direction oblique to the cleavage during shearing, opposite to the shear direction. As deformation continues, the upper and lower mica fragments slip, separate, and rotate, forming asymmetrical mica fishes. Definitions of other structures can be found in the relevant sections above and will not be repeated here.

[0042] The identification of the aforementioned landmark structures can be based on experience or relevant identification standards in this field; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In some embodiments, to further improve the accuracy of delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas, the deformation intensity of the markers in the surface samples can be further determined after determining that the markers in the surface samples exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation.

[0044] Specifically, if the markers in the surface sample retain the original rock structure, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 1; if the markers in the surface sample show a fractured structure but the original rock structure can still be identified, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 2; if the markers in the surface sample show newly formed structures, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 3.

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a marker with a deformation intensity of Level 1. Part 2a shows Level 1 deformation of quartz 1, part 2b shows Level 1 deformation of feldspar 2, and part 2c shows Level 1 deformation of mica 3. It can be seen that at Level 1 deformation intensity, slight cracks appear in the marker, but the original rock structure is still preserved. A deformation intensity of Level 1 indicates that the deformation at this location is weak and mainly rigid, which is not conducive to hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0046] Figure 3 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an indicative specimen with a deformation intensity of level three. Part 3a shows the level two deformation of quartz 1, part 3b shows the level two deformation of feldspar 2, and part 3c shows the level two deformation of mica 3. It is evident that at the level two deformation intensity, significant structural fracturing is observed, but the remaining original rock structure can still be identified. A deformation intensity of level two indicates that plastic deformation is weaker than rigid deformation, which is favorable for hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0047] Figure 4The diagram shows a structural schematic of a marker with a deformation intensity of level three. Part 4a shows level three deformation of quartz 1, part 4b shows level three deformation of feldspar 2, and part 4c shows level three deformation of mica 3. It is evident that at level three deformation intensity, significant new structures appear in the marker. Level three deformation intensity indicates that plastic deformation is dominant, while rigid deformation is weaker than plastic deformation, and the beneficial effect of hydrothermal activity is more pronounced. Both level two and level three deformation intensities are conducive to hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0048] In this embodiment, when delineating a prospective area for hydrothermal uranium deposits, if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, with the deformation intensity being level two or three, then the area where the surface sample is located is delineated as a prospective area for hydrothermal uranium deposits.

[0049] As an example, the deformation strength can be determined based on the following judgment rules.

[0050] The first-level deformation strength can specifically include weak crack damage deformation and strong crack damage deformation.

[0051] The specific manifestations of weak fracture deformation are that the original rock structure is preserved, rigid fractures are developed locally, and the visible light properties of quartz, feldspar, mica and other materials in the fractures are abnormal.

[0052] The specific manifestations of severe cracking and deformation are the coexistence of brittle and ductile deformation, recrystallization, and re-healing or cementation after breakage.

[0053] Secondary deformation strength can specifically include weak fragmentation deformation and strong fragmentation deformation.

[0054] The specific manifestation of weak fragmentation deformation is that the marker is cut into irregular fragments by fissures, the displacement between fragments is very small, the marker is roughly able to be pieced together, and the original rock's overall structure and basic characteristics are retained.

[0055] Strong fragmentation deformation is specifically characterized by the appearance of strong fragmentation structure, distinguishable marker particles, significantly more fragmented content in the rock than fragmented basement, development of fracturing and edge fine-graining in the fragmented areas, and preservation of the original rock properties and structure.

[0056] The third-level deformation strength can specifically include mylonitization deformation, promylonite deformation, mylonite deformation, and ultramylonite deformation.

[0057] Mylonitization and deformation are characterized by porphyritic predominance, with matrix content less than 10%. Mineral elongation is visible, with slight directional arrangement. Indicators include wavy extinction, twinning, and twisting. Recrystallization is also observed.

[0058] The deformation of the primary mylonite is specifically manifested in the presence of matrix content greater than 10% and less than 50%, obvious matrix orientation, increased dynamic recrystallization grains, banded extinction, subgrain and recrystallization of the characteristic mineral quartz, twinning and twisting of feldspar, and banded extinction or twisting of mica.

[0059] The deformation of mylonite is specifically characterized by a matrix content greater than 50% and less than 90%, with a maximum of no more than 90%. It is mainly characterized by dynamic recrystallization, with few and small clastic foci. It exhibits obvious plastic flow structures, and the markers include the development of rotating clastic systems, core-mantle structure, and SC foliation. Most of the quartz is recrystallized, and flow structures are present around the clastic foci.

[0060] The deformation of ultramylonite is specifically manifested by a matrix content greater than 90%, rare porphyritic fragments, recrystallization of the marker, development of plastic flow structures, increased content of the markers mica and quartz, and reduction or disappearance of feldspar.

[0061] In addition to the above-mentioned judgment rules, those skilled in the art may also use other judgment rules and / or combine them with the actual situation to specifically judge the deformation strength, which will not be elaborated here.

[0062] In some embodiments, when collecting surface samples in the exploration area, the ore-controlling structures related to hydrothermal uranium mineralization in the exploration area can be identified first based on the mineralization and structural features of the exploration area. The area where the ore-controlling structures are distributed is then designated as the working area, and surface samples are collected from the working area. When delineating the hydrothermal uranium prospective area in the exploration area, if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the working area is designated as the hydrothermal uranium prospective area.

[0063] Understandably, although this application mainly relies on microscopic deformation features to ultimately delineate hydrothermal uranium prospective areas, sampling and confirming deformation features of surface samples throughout the entire exploration area may lead to reduced efficiency and increased costs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the working area is first determined by macroscopic ore-controlling structures, and subsequent surface sample collection and microscopic deformation feature determination are carried out in the working area. This ensures the accuracy of delineating hydrothermal uranium prospective areas while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0064] The ore-controlling structures mentioned here refer to macroscopic structures that control the mineralization of hydrothermal uranium deposits. For example, ore-controlling structures may include fault zones, alteration zones, radioactive anomaly zones, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones. Radioactive anomaly zones can be determined based on the radioactive background values ​​in the exploration area, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones can be determined based on the geophysical and geochemical background values ​​in the exploration area. Specific determination methods can be found in relevant technologies in this field and will not be elaborated here.

[0065] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the working area defined in one embodiment. The diagram shows the ore-controlling structures such as the near-east-west trending structural belt 52, the north-northeast trending silicified belt 53, and the northeast-east trending alteration fault belt 54 in the exploration area 51. The area where these ore-controlling structures are relatively concentrated is defined as the working area 55.

[0066] In some embodiments, the area where multiple ore-controlling structures intersect can be specifically defined as the working area, and reference can still be made to Figure 5 Within the delineated work area 55, there are three intersecting elements: a near-east-west trending tectonic zone 52, a north-northeast trending silicified zone 53, and a northeast-east trending alteration fault zone 54.

[0067] In some other embodiments, those skilled in the art may also choose to use the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect delineation method provided in the related art to pre-delineate a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect as the working area in this application, and then use the method provided in this application to delineate the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect in the working area.

[0068] In some embodiments, after the work area is determined, multiple sampling points can be set up in the work area, and two surface samples can be collected at each sampling point. As described above, one surface sample can be used to test the uranium content, and the other surface sample can be ground into a thin film for determining the biomarker transformation characteristics.

[0069] In some embodiments, multiple sampling points can be set up along various ore-controlling structures in the working area. The distance between the sampling points can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual situation, and the distance between the sampling points can be the same or different. As an example, radioactive anomaly zones, tectonic zones, alteration zones, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones are usually no more than 10 meters in size, and at least one sampling point can be set up every meter. If the size exceeds 10 meters, the sampling interval can be appropriately relaxed, and a sampling point can be set up every 1.5 to 2 meters.

[0070] In some embodiments, the distance between multiple sampling points can be determined based on the degree of rock deformation in the working area. It should be noted that the degree of rock deformation here refers to the degree of deformation observable to the naked eye, and differs from the microscopic deformation characteristics and deformation intensity discussed above. When setting sampling points, if the degree of rock deformation is high, the distance between sampling points can be appropriately reduced to obtain more samples.

[0071] The following section will use the delineation of the hydrothermal uranium prospectus in the deep and peripheral areas of the Zhushanxia deposit in the Guidong intrusive body of the Nanling Mountains as an example to provide a more detailed description and supplement to one or more embodiments mentioned above.

[0072] First, geological maps, structural outline maps, exploration line profiles, radiometric survey results, geophysical survey results, geochemical survey results, various scientific research reports, and exploration reports of the exploration area (Zhushanxia deposit and surrounding areas) were collected and compiled. The hydrothermal uranium mineralization conditions and mineralization characteristics of the exploration area were summarized, and the ore-controlling structures were identified. Field investigations were also conducted, primarily focusing on strata, igneous rocks, structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones, contact zones, geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones, and radiometric anomaly zones related to uranium mineralization.

[0073] In this example, the Zhushanxia deposit and its surrounding area are located in the northern part of the Xiazhuang mining field. The exposed rocks include metamorphic and igneous rocks. The metamorphic rocks are Cambrian Bacun Group quartz sandstone, sericite slate, and carbonaceous slate, distributed in the eastern and northern parts of the deposit. The igneous rocks are mainly biotite granite, dolomite granite, alkali metasomatic rocks, diabase, and minor pegmatite and granite porphyry, exhibiting multi-stage and multi-phase development characteristics. The deposit's structure mainly features near-EW-NWW, NNE, and NE-trending fault structures. The ore body is strictly controlled by the composite of these three sets of fault structures, forming large veins or vein-group uranium mineralization. The ore body's occurrence is consistent with the tectonic zone's occurrence, and it is relatively enriched in areas of tectonic expansion, branching, and occurrence changes. The large-vein uranium deposits exhibit relatively stable extensions, striking 200-250 meters and dipping 150-250 meters, with a thickness of 3-5 meters and an average grade of 0.126%. The ore bodies are lenticular, vein-like, and columnar, with mineralization types including uranium-alkali metasomatism-hematite and uranium-variegated microcrystalline quartz. The uranium deposits are primarily controlled by ore-controlling structures such as fault structures, hydrothermal alteration zones, and the composite trajectory of lamprophyre and silicified zones. Based on this, the area where these ore-controlling structures intersect was selected as the working area.

[0074] Next, sample collection will be carried out in the work area. Surface samples will be collected mainly along the radioactive anomalies, tectonic zones, alteration zones, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones in the work area. A profile sampling method will be adopted, and two samples will be collected at each sampling point. One sample will be used for microscopic observation to determine deformation characteristics, and the other sample will be used for uranium content analysis.

[0075] The collected surface samples are made into thin sections. Two to four thin sections can be ground from different directions of a surface sample. Then, the rigid and plastic deformation characteristics of the markers quartz, feldspar and mica are determined by microscopic observation, and the deformation intensity is determined.

[0076] In this example, the lithology of the sample is medium- to fine-grained biotite granite, fine-grained muscovite granite, and vein quartz.

[0077] Quartz development involves both rigid and plastic deformation. Observed signs of rigid deformation include microfracture, fragmented structure, and brecciated structure, while observed signs of plastic deformation include wavy extinction, banded extinction, fan-shaped extinction, dynamic recrystallization, tensile lineation, subgranular structure, banded texture, and stress-creep structure.

[0078] Feldspar exhibits both rigid and plastic deformation. Observed signs of rigid deformation include microfractures and fragmented structures. Observed signs of plastic deformation include wavy extinction, kink bands, oblique structures, deformation lines, mechanical twinning, and subgrain-like structures.

[0079] Mica development involves both rigid and plastic deformation. Observed signs of rigid deformation include microfractures. Observed signs of plastic deformation include wavy extinction, mica fish-like structures, oblique structures, and pressure shadows.

[0080] To further determine the deformation strength, in this embodiment, the original structure was clearly residual in the surface sample, the new structure deformation was not well developed, the marker was mainly rigid deformation, and the plastic deformation was weaker than the rigid deformation. No SC foliation, twinning bending and twisting were observed in the marker minerals in the sample. Finally, the deformation strength was confirmed to be level two.

[0081] Geochemical analysis was performed using another set of samples. The samples were ground to 200 mesh, and the uranium content was determined using ICP-MS. The uranium content of sample DZ-3 was 224 × 10⁻⁶. -6 It is greater than the preset value.

[0082] Based on the above, the aforementioned work area was delineated as a potential hydrothermal uranium deposit. Subsequent drilling exploration confirmed the discovery of hydrothermal uranium deposits within a near-east-west trending structural zone in the area, validating the accuracy of the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area delineated by the method provided in this embodiment.

[0083] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All contents not described in detail in the present invention can be derived from existing technologies.

Claims

1. A method for delineating hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective areas by means of the deformation characteristics of markers, comprising: Collect surface samples from the exploration area; The uranium content of the surface sample and the deformation characteristics of the markers in the surface sample are determined, wherein the markers include at least one of quartz, feldspar, and mica; The prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit area in the exploration area is delineated. If the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the area where the surface sample is located is delineated as the prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit area. The surface samples collected in the exploration area include: Based on the mineralization and structural features in the exploration area, the ore-controlling structures related to the hydrothermal uranium mineralization in the exploration area are identified; The area where the ore-controlling structures are distributed is designated as the working area; Determining the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface samples includes: Observe the structure and / or absorbance of markers in the surface samples under a microscope; Determine the deformation characteristics of the markers based on their structure and / or light absorption in the surface samples; If it is determined that the structure of the marker in the surface sample is broken, then it is determined that the marker in the surface sample has rigid deformation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, If it is determined that the marker in the surface sample shows a change in light absorption, then it is determined that the marker in the surface sample has undergone plastic deformation. The change in light absorption includes: banded extinction, wavy extinction, and fan-shaped extinction.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The marker includes quartz. When determining the deformation characteristics of the marker in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the quartz, then the marker in the surface sample is determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Dynamic recrystallization, tensile foliation, rotating fragmentation system, pressure shadow, SC foliation, subgranular structure, banded structure, stress creep structure.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The markers include feldspar. When determining the deformation characteristics of the markers in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the feldspar, then the markers in the surface sample are determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Twisted bands, oblique structures, deformation patterns, mechanical twinning, subgranular structures, fragmented systems, dynamic recrystallization, core-mantle structure, clockwork structure, stress striation structure, exsolution foliation.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The marker includes mica. When determining the deformation characteristics of the marker in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the mica, then the marker in the surface sample is determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Mica fish, oblique structure, pressure shadow, SC surface, fragmented pattern, twisted band.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: If it is determined that the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the deformation intensity of the markers in the surface sample is determined. Specifically, if the marker in the surface sample retains the original rock structure, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 1; if the marker in the surface sample shows a fractured structure but the original rock structure can be identified, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 2; and if the marker in the surface sample shows a newly formed structure, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 3. When delineating the hydrothermal uranium prospective area in the exploration area, if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, and the deformation intensity is level two or three, then the area where the surface sample is located is delineated as the hydrothermal uranium prospective area.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The ore-controlling structure includes at least one of the following: The exploration area includes fault zones, alteration zones, radioactive anomaly zones, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones. The radioactive anomaly zones are determined based on the radioactive background values ​​in the exploration area, and the geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones are determined based on the geophysical and geochemical background values ​​in the exploration area.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 7, wherein, The step of defining the area where the ore-controlling structure is distributed as the working area includes: The area where multiple ore-controlling structures intersect is defined as the working area.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The collection of surface samples in the work area includes: Multiple sampling points are set in the working area; Two surface samples were collected at each of the sampling points.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The distance between the multiple sampling points is determined based on the degree of rock deformation in the working area.

Images